The time has come again for the lovely, pretty and captivating ladies in the country to battle it out in the annual Binibining Pilipinas pageant.
Following a day-long screening, 40 girls from all walks of life were selected as official candidates. They will compete for the right to represent the Philippines in the international arena, including three of the Big5 pageants: Miss Universe, Miss International, and Miss Supranational.
The pressure is more intense this year following Pia Alonzo Wurtzbach’s victory in the Miss Universe pageant last December, as well as Ann Lorraine Colis’ win in Miss Globe. This year’s batch faces a huge challenge: to keep the winning streak going.
Who among this year’s candidates could rock the international stage? Here’s our first official hot picks:
Leading our list at this early stage is the statuesque Kim Ross Delos Santos, who has been on most people’s Bb Pilipinas (and Miss Universe) wishlist. This 25-year-old 5’10” model was described as a combination of former MUP Jennifer Barrientos and actresses Sarah Labhati and Angel Locsin. And she’s no stranger to competitions, having joined Elite Model Look of the Philippines in 2005 and Miss Pasay 2007.
Not far behind is Nichole Manalo, the sister of former Binibini titleholders Bianca (Bb Pilipinas Universe 2009) and Katherine (Bb Pilipinas World 2002). Nichole first tried her luck in 2014 but only made it to the Top 15. But seeing her marked improvement when she appeared during the screening, it seems she’s finally on the road to winning one of the coveted crowns.
In third place is one of the pre-screening favorites, the lovely Kylie Verzosa. After finishing in the Top 15 last year, we hoped to see her compete again and get a title. And it seems she is at the right place and time. Her beauty and winning aura couldn’t be denied.
Next on our list is also a Bb Pilipinas repeater, Angelique De Leon. She was a diamond in the rough back when she competed in 2014, but has already won the hearts of pageant observers with her natural charm. Two years later, she has blossomed and is now one of the strongest contenders early on in the competition. We can’t wait to see this girl “work it” on stage.
Rounding up our Top 5 for now is the stunning Kristine Estoque from Davao. This 5’9″ beauty joined Miss World Philippines in 2014 but failed to make the cut. But she’s proof that with right styling, a girl will definitely standout. Her look during the screening screams “winner” from every angle. She is definitely someone to watch out for as the pageant progresses.
Check out the rest of the list here:
1 Kim Ross De Los Santos
2 Nichole Marie Manalo
3 Kylie Verzosa
4 Angelique Celine De Leon
5 Kristine Angeli Estoque
6 Maria Gigante
7 Nicole Cordoves
8 Angela Lauren Fernando
9 Edjelyn Joy Gamboa
10 Jeslyn Santos
11 Jehza Mae Huelar
12 Anjellica Lopez
13 Maria Daziella Gange
14 Dindi Joy Pajares
15 Maria Mika Maxine Medina
16 Kimberle Mae Penchon
17 Vina Openiano
18 Jessica Gonzales
19 Maria Lina Prongoso
20 Mariella Castillo
